Folding table and chair

ABSTRACT

A folding table and chair each have an unobtrusive folding mechanism that cannot be easily seen when unfolded for use. Because the folding mechanism is not readily seen, folding tables and chairs of a number of well-known and popular styles can be provided that are suitable for use as everyday home furniture. Folding furniture may be particularly desirable for apartment and condominium dwellers who have limited living space and need to occasionally store bulky furniture to fully use such space. The folding furniture of the invention is also easier to move than traditional furniture, including the hinge of the table, which can also serve as a carrying handle.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/878,310, entitled FOLDING TABLE AND CHAIR, filedJul. 23, 2007, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) toprovisional U.S. Patent Application No. 60/832,136, filed on Jul. 21,2006, the disclosures of which are expressly incorporated by referenceherein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention is directed to a folding table and chair. In particular,the table can be easily folded to make it more compact and transportedfor storage or relocation; and the chair can be folded flat tofacilitate storage.

2. Related Art

Many folding tables that include a handle, or other carrying means, fortransportation include a separate structure that is visible when thetable is unfolded.

An example of such a table is a typical “suitcase” style folding table.The suitcase table includes a handle mounted to an outer edge of a tableleaf. A hinge, or other folding mechanism, is disposed at the center ofthe table and connects the opposing leafs. The suitcase table's legshave a sliding leg-lock arrangement that is widely used in foldingtables. The legs can be folded within the thickness of the skirtsurrounding the edge of each leaf. The table can be folded in half suchthat the skirt of each leaf contacts one another to form an outer planarsurface that forms the “suitcase” with the legs folded inside. The skirtmay include a latching mechanism so that the leafs can be securedtogether. The secured, folded table can be transported by means of theseparate handle that is not located on the same side of the outer planarsurface of the suitcase as the hinge.

Many of the mechanisms that permit the suitcase table to fold and betransported are visible when the table is in use. Accordingly, thesevisible mechanisms, are unsightly and make the typical folding tableundesirable for everyday home use.

In smaller domiciles, furniture that is easily moved and storable isdesired so that occupants can take full advantage of limited livingspace, which is especially important in urban environments.

Accordingly, there is a need for a foldable table and chair that hidesthe folding and carrying mechanisms so that the table is sufficientlystylish and decorative for everyday use.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention meets the foregoing need by providing a folding mechanismand carrying mechanism, respectively, that is not readily visible whenunfolded, which results in a table and chair having appearances moresimilar to non-folding tables and chairs that are decorative andsuitable for everyday use, as well as other advantages apparent from thediscussion herein.

Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention a folding table is providedthat includes a table top comprising two opposing leafs connected by afolding mechanism, pivotable legs coupled to one of the opposing legs, alatching mechanism disposed within the table top securing at least oneleg in an extended position generally perpendicular to the table top. Inthe table's folded position, the folding mechanism is configured toserve as a handle for transporting the folding table.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a folding chair isprovided that comprises: a back including a plurality of rear legs; aseat frame assembly pivotably connectable to the back; a plurality offront legs pivotably connectable to the seat frame assembly; and a clipconfigured to lock the front legs in a position generally parallel tothe back, when the chair is in a folded position. The at least one ofthe plurality of legs may be pivotally coupled to the seat frameassembly. The folding chair may further comprise a lower supportconfigured to be pivotally connectable to at least one of the pluralityof legs. The seat frame assembly may further comprise an elongatedmember configured to be pivotally connectable to the back; or a seatsupport member configured to be affixed to the elongated member. Theseat support member may be welded to the elongated member. The seatframe assembly may further comprise a side member configured topivotally connect to the elongated member; or a connecting extensionconfigured to be affixed to at least one of the plurality of front legs.The elongated member may comprise an ear portion, wherein the earportion may be configured to pivotally connect to the back. The seatframe assembly may further comprise a rear cross-member configured toconnect to the elongated member. The clip may be connected to the rearcross-member. The folding chair may further comprise: a lower supportconfigured to be connected to at least one of the plurality of frontlegs and at least one of the plurality of rear legs. The lower supportassembly may comprise: a first cross-bar configured to be pivotallyconnected between two of the plurality of front legs; a second cross-barconfigured to be pivotally connected between two of the plurality ofrear legs; a cross-brace configured to be connected between the firstcross-bar and the second cross-bar; and a knuckle configured to connectthe cross-brace to one of the first cross-bar or the second cross-bar.

According to a still further aspect of the invention, a folding chair isprovided that includes a back, the chair comprises: a seat frameassembly pivotably connectable to the back; a plurality of front legspivotably connectable to the seat frame assembly; and a clip configuredto lock the front legs in a position generally parallel to the back whenthe chair is in a folded position. The seat frame assembly may comprise:a rear portion configured to connect to the back; and a front portionconfigured to connect to at least one of the plurality of front legs,wherein the front portion is further configured to pivot with respect tothe rear portion. The front portion may comprise: a side memberconfigured to be pivotally connected to the rear portion; and aconnecting extension configured to connect to at least one of the frontlegs. The rear portion may comprise: a cross-member configured to beconnected to the clip.

According to a still further aspect of the invention, a folding chair isprovided that comprises a plurality of front legs and a back whichincludes a plurality of rear legs, the chair comprising: a seat frameassembly pivotably connectable to the back; a lower support configuredto be pivotally connectable to at least one of the plurality of legs;and a clip configured to lock the front legs in a position generallyparallel to the back; wherein the frame assembly comprises: an elongatedmember configured to be pivotally connectable to the back; a rearcross-member configured to connect to the clip; a seat support memberconfigured to be affixed to the elongated member; a side memberconfigured to pivotally connect to the elongated member; a connectingextension configured to be affixed to at least one of the plurality offront legs; and wherein the lower support comprises: a first cross-barconfigured to be pivotally connected between two of the plurality offront legs; a second cross-bar configured to be pivotally connectedbetween two of the plurality of rear legs; a cross-brace configured tobe connected between the first cross-bar and the second cross-bar; and aknuckle configured to connect the cross-brace to one of the firstcross-bar or the second cross-bar.

Additional features, advantages, and embodiments of the invention may beset forth or apparent from consideration of the following detaileddescription, drawings, and claims. Moreover, it is to be understood thatboth the foregoing summary of the invention and the following detaileddescription are exemplary and intended to provide further explanationwithout limiting the scope of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention, are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the detailed description serve to explain the principlesof the invention. No attempt is made to show structural details of theinvention in more detail than may be necessary for a fundamentalunderstanding of the invention and the various ways in which it may bepracticed. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary folding tableconstructed according to the principles of the invention in an unfoldedposition;

FIG. 1A shows a side elevational view of a folding table constructedaccording to the principles of the invention in an unfolded position;

FIG. 1B shows an enlarged perspective view of a push button release usedin a folding table constructed according to the principles of theinvention;

FIG. 1C shows a perspective view of the table of FIG. 1 in a foldedposition;

FIG. 2 shows a side perspective view of the table of FIG. 1 in a foldedposition;

FIG. 2A shows an enlarged view of the folding mechanism of the table ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a locking mechanism constructedaccording to the principles of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an exemplary folding chairconstructed according to the principles of the invention in an unfoldedposition;

FIG. 4A shows an enlarged view of a locking mechanism for the chair ofFIG. 4;

FIG. 4B shows a side elevational view of the chair of FIG. 4 in a foldedposition;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of another exemplary folding tableconstructed according to the principles of the invention in an unfoldedposition;

FIG. 6 shows a dining set incorporating the table of FIG. 5 with chairsconstructed in accordance with the principles of the chair illustratedin FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 shows yet another exemplary folding table constructed accordingto the principles of the invention having a slat-style design;

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of yet another exemplary folding tableconstructed according to the principles of the invention having atransitional style;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of another exemplary folding chairconstructed according to the principles of the invention in an unfoldedposition;

FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C show the chair of FIG. 9 in various stages of folding;

FIG. 10 shows a dining set incorporating the table of FIG. 8 with chairsconstructed in accordance with the principles of the chair illustratedin FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of yet another exemplary folding tableconstructed according to the principles of the invention having atraditional style;

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of yet another exemplary folding chairconstructed according to the principles of the invention in an unfoldedposition;

FIG. 12A shows an enlarged perspective view of a push button releaseimplemented in the chair of FIG. 12 that is similar to the push buttonrelease illustrated by FIG. 1B;

FIG. 13 shows a dining set incorporating the table of FIG. 11 withchairs constructed in accordance with the principles of the chairillustrated in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of yet another exemplary folding tableconstructed according to the principles of the invention having amission style;

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of yet another exemplary folding chairconstructed according to the principles of the invention in an unfoldedposition; FIG. 16 shows a dining set incorporating the table of FIG. 14with chairs constructed in accordance with the principles of the chairillustrated in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 shows a front view of yet another exemplary folding chairconstructed according to the principles of the invention in an unfoldedposition;

FIG. 17A shows a side view of the exemplary folding chair of Figure 17;

FIG. 17B shows a side view of the chair in FIG. 17 in a partially foldedconfiguration;

FIG. 17C shows an exploded view of the chair in FIG. 17;

FIG. 17D shows a more detailed illustration of the exemplary seat frameassembly of FIG. 17C;

FIG. 17E shows the plurality of legs connected to the seat sides of thechair in FIG. 17;

FIG. 17F shows a more detailed illustration of the exemplary lowersupport assembly of the chair in FIG. 17;

FIG. 17G shows a perspective view of an example of a clip that may beused with the folding chair in FIG. 17; and

FIG. 17H shows a side view of the exemplary clip of FIG. 17G.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the invention and the various features andadvantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference tothe non-limiting embodiments and examples that are described and/orillustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the followingdescription. It should be noted that the features illustrated in thedrawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and features of oneembodiment may be employed with other embodiments as the skilled artisanwould recognize, even if not explicitly stated herein. Descriptions ofwell-known components and processing techniques may be omitted so as tonot unnecessarily obscure the embodiments of the invention. The examplesused herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of waysin which the invention may be practiced and to further enable those ofskill in the art to practice the embodiments of the invention.Accordingly, the examples and embodiments herein should not be construedas limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by theappended claims and applicable law. Moreover, it is noted that likereference numerals represent similar parts throughout the several viewsof the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a folding table 100 constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the invention. The table may include two leafs 122, 123that make up a table top 120. Each table leg 110 may be pivotablyconnected to one of the leafs 122,123 that can be unlocked to fold via apush button release 105. FIG. 1A is a side view of the unfolded table100 that shows two leafs 122, 123 joined together by a hinge 124.

FIG. 1B is an enlarged view of the push button release 105. The button105 may be disposed in a recess 125 of the table top 120. Here, thebutton 105 is pushed down to unlock the leg 110 so that it may fold, butthe button may be any suitable mechanism for disengaging a lock or latchthat holds the leg 110 in place when the table 100 is unfolded for use.

FIG. 1C illustrates table 100 in a folded position. In a foldedposition, the leafs 122, 123 are spaced apart, primarily by thethickness of the legs 110. This space may expose the hinge 124 so thatit can be used as a handle for carrying the table 100 in the foldedposition for transportation or storage.

FIG. 2 is a side view of table 100 that illustrates that it may restflat on the ground or other surface in a folded position, supported byan edge of the leafs 122, 123 opposite the hinge 124. FIG. 2A is aclose-up view of the hinge 124. The hinge 124 may include a handle 201that is held in place by collars 203, which are coupled to the leafs122, 123 by flanges 205. The handle can be fixedly coupled to thecollars of one leaf while being pivotably connected to the collars ofthe other leaf. Alternatively, the handle can be pivotably connected toall of the collars and held in place by end caps 207 disposed on theouter collars to prevent longitudinal movement of the handle.Preferably, most of the handle 201 is disposed above the edges of theleafs 122, 123 in the folded position to facilitate carrying of thetable 100.

FIG. 3 shows a latching mechanism 300 that may engage push button 105 toreleasingly lock leg 110 in relation to table top 120. The latchingmechanism 300 may be coupled to table top 120 using support plate 303.The leg may be coupled to the latching mechanism 300 using hinge plate305 that is rotatably connected the support plate 303 at pin 315. Alatch 301, which may be biased towards the push button release 105 by amechanism such as a spring (not shown), can be provided to fix the hingeplate 305 in relation to both the support plate 303 and table top 120.The latch 301 may include a lever 309 that is adapted to engage pushbutton release 105 within recess 125 of FIG. 1B. The latch may alsoinclude a clasp 311 that holds an upper planar surface of the hingeplate 305 to a lower planar surface of the support plate to “lock” theleg 110 in an unfolded position that is generally perpendicular to thetable top 120.

Pressing the lever 309 downwardly releases the hinge plate 305 so thatit may be rotated about pin 315 to allow the leg 110 to rotate into afolded position that is generally parallel to the table top 120. Tounfold the leg 110, it can be rotated so that an edge of hinge plate 303will push the clasp 311 against biasing force provided by the latch 301so that leg 110 can fully rotate. When the upper planar surface of hingeplate 305 abuts the lower planar surface of the support plate 303, theclasp 311 will spring back due to the biasing force of latch 301 to lockthe leg 110 in place. The clasp 311 may have a tapered surface 313adapted to engage a leading edge of hinge plate 305 to facilitateunfolding of the leg 110. This kind of arrangement is advantageous forthe easy concealment of the mechanism used to lock/unlock the legs of afolding table.

FIG. 4 shows a folding chair 400 constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the invention. The chair 400 includes a back 403 and aseat 405 having a cushion 406. The back may be supported by rear legs407 that extend from the surface the chair 400 is resting on to the topof back 403. The seat 405 can be pivotably coupled to rear legs 407. Thefront of seat 405 may be supported by front legs 409 that aresubstantially shorter in length than rear legs 407. Extra lateralsupport may be provided by support 415 that is connected to front legs409 on a front end and pivotably connected to a cross-support 416 at aback end. The support 415 primarily provides lateral support in afront-to-back direction, and the cross-support 416 primarily provideslateral support in a side-to-side direction. Here, seat 405, legs 407,409, support 415, and cross-support 416 include a frame 411 preferablymade of lightweight cast aluminum. But other materials that are known tobe suitable for constructing folding chairs can be used in accordancewith the principles of the invention.

Each of the front legs 409 may include a slot and keyhole arrangementfor locking the chair 400 in an unfolded position. FIG. 4A shows thefront leg 409 having a slot 422 and a keyhole 423 within the leg thatboth engage a tab 417 of support 415. When the tab 417 is seated in theslot 422, the support 415 is locked relative to the cross-support 416and the front leg 409, thereby preventing the seat 405 from pivoting and“locks” the chair 400 in the unfolded position. Moving the tab 417 tothe keyhole 423 “unlocks” the chair 400 and allows the tab to move in amanner that permits the support 415 to rotate relative to the front leg409, which, in turn, permits a pivotal motion of the seat 405 to allowfolding of the chair 400. FIG. 4B illustrates chair 400 in a foldedposition.

FIG. 5 shows a modem style dining table 500 constructed in accordancewith the principles of the invention. Each leaf 522, 523 may comprisestwo wooden slabs 526, 528, 530, 532 that conceal the seam where thetable 500 is folded. The table 500 also may include the previouslydescribed push button release 105 for locking/unlocking legs 510. Here,the push button release 105 is shown as an aluminum button to accent thewooden slabs 526, 528, 530, 532. A skilled artisan would recognize thata variety of materials can be used with the table of the invention,including the material for the push button release, depending on theaesthetic look desired. FIG. 6 shows a dining set including table 500with chairs 400.

FIG. 7 shows a slat style dining table 600 constructed in accordancewith the principles of the invention. The table leafs 622, 623 can bemade up of slats 630. The push button release 105 can be made of a woodor other material, contrasting to the slats 630 for adding a stylishappeal.

FIG. 8 shows a transitional table 650 constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the invention. The table 650 may include tapered legs 660and a beaded skirt 665 for an elegant look. The push button release canbe covered by a veneer 656 to match the table-top 670 made up of leafs672, 673.

FIG. 9 illustrates a transitional folding chair 700 using an alternativefolding mechanism. The chair 700 includes a back 703, a seat 705 havinga cushion 706, rear legs 707, front legs 709, support 715, andcross-support 716. Here, the chair 700 also includes a frontcross-support 717 that provides side to side lateral support in asimilar manner to the cross-support 716. The support 715 may be joinedto the front cross-support 717 at the front end, and pivotably connectedto the cross-support 716 at the rear end. The front cross-support 717 ispivotably connected to the front legs 709.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C illustrates the various steps of folding the chair700. FIG. 9 and 9A show the chair 700 in an unfolded position suitablefor use. FIG. 9B shows that the seat 705 may be rotated off of pegs 720,which permits the support 715 and front legs 709 to pivot upwardly tofold the chair 700. The chair in a folded position, is illustrated byFIG. 9C. FIG. 10 shows the dining set including table 650 with chairs700.

FIG. 11 shows a traditional style table 750 constructed in accordancewith the principles of the invention. The table 750 may include engraveddetails 776. in the leafs 772, 773. The legs 760 can have the appearanceof classic lathe turned legs that end in boxed shoulders 775 integratedinto the skirt 765. The push button release, which may covered by aveneer 756 to match the table, operates to lock/unlock the legs 760.

FIG. 12 illustrates a folding chair 800 using yet another foldingmechanism. As can be seen in FIG. 12A, the front legs 809 may be foldedby pressing a push button release 815 disposed within a recess 825 ofthe seat 805 that functions similar to the previously described releasefor a folding table. Pressing the push button release 805 unlatches thefront legs 809 so that the seat 805 may be rotated and the chair 800will lay substantially flat for storage. FIG. 13 shows a dining setincluding table 750 with chairs 800.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of yet another exemplary folding tableconstructed according to the principles of the invention having amission style. In particular, FIG. 14 shows a mission style table 850constructed in accordance with the principles of the invention. Theleafs 872, 873 may include ceramic or stone tiles 876 for creating themission look. The legs 860 may be straight and sturdy to provide a handmade look consistent with the mission style. The push button release 105may be made to match either the tiles or wood of table.

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of yet another exemplary folding chairconstructed according to the principles of the invention in an unfoldedposition. In particular, FIG. 15 shows a mission chair 900 that maypreferably include the alternative folding mechanism shown in FIG. 9,but other folding mechanisms that are consistent with the principles ofthe invention may also be used.

FIG. 16 shows a dining set incorporating the table of FIG. 14 withchairs constructed in accordance with the principles of the chairillustrated in FIG. 15. In particular, FIG. 16 shows a dining setincluding table 850 with chairs 900.

FIG. 17 illustrates a front view of an example of a folding chair 1000according to yet another aspect of the invention. FIG. 17A illustrates aside view of the folding chair 1000 of FIG. 17. As seen in FIGS. 17 and17A, the chair 1000 may include a plurality of front legs 1110, a seatback 1040, a lower support assembly 1300, a seat 1340, and a clip 1400.The seat back 1040 may include, for example, but is not limited to, aplurality of panels 1050. The lower support assembly 1300 may beconnected between the plurality of front legs 1110 and the seat back1040 to provide enhanced rigidity to the chair 1000 in a planesubstantially parallel to, e.g., a surface (not shown) on which thechair 1000 may be placed.

FIG. 17B illustrates a side view of the chair 1000 in a partially foldedconfiguration. As seen in FIG. 17B, the chair 1000 may be folded byapplying, for example, an upward force F to the seat front 1120, causingthe seat 1340 to pivotally move in a direction A toward the seat back1040. The chair 1000 may be unfolded by applying, for example, adownward force (not shown) to the seat front 1120, causing the seat 1340to pivotally move in a direction opposite to the direction A, away fromthe seat back 1040. The clip 1400 may be configured to engage a portionof the lower support assembly 1300 when the chair 1000 is configured ina substantially fully folded configuration (not shown), thereby lockingthe chair 1000 in the substantially fully folded configuration.

FIG. 17C illustrates an exploded view of the chair 1000. As seen in theillustration, the chair 1000 may further include a seat frame assembly1180 and a pair of seat sides 1150. The seat 1340 and seat sides 1150may be affixed to the frame assembly 1180 using, for example, aplurality of fasteners 1350. The fasteners 1350 may include, forexample, but are not limited to, any one or more of a screw, a bolt, apin, a lock-pin, a nail, a rivet, an adhesive, a weld, a clip, or thelike. The frame assembly 1180 may be affixed to the front legs 1110 byway of fasteners 1170. The fasteners 1170 may include, for example, butare not limited to, any one or more of a screw, a bolt, a pin, alock-pin, a nail, a rivet, an adhesive, a weld, or the like. The frameassembly 1180 may also be affixed to the seat back 1040 by way of, forexample, a pair of lock-pins 1060 that are provided in a pair ofrecesses 1065 in the seat back 1040. Each lock-pin 1060 may engage anear portion 1510 of the frame assembly 1180, so as to allow rotationalmotion of the ear portion 1510 about an axis that is substantiallyperpendicular to the direction A (shown in FIG. 17B), i.e., rotationalmotion in the direction A.

It is noted that the lock-pins 1060 need not be provided in the pair ofrecesses 1065, but, instead, may protrude from the seat back 1040. It isfurther noted that the frame assembly 1180 may be affixed to the seatback 1040 using any other mechanism that allows for rotational motion ofthe ear portion 1510.

The lower support assembly 1300 may be affixed to the front legs 1110and the rear legs of the seat back 1040 by means of a plurality offasteners 1070. The fasteners 1070 may include, for example, but are notlimited to, pins, screws, lock-pins, rods, or the like, which allowrotational motion of the portion of the lower support assembly 1300 towhich the fasteners 1070 are coupled, so as to allow for pivotal motionof the seat 1340 in the direction A (shown in FIG. 17B).

FIG. 17D shows a more detailed illustration of the exemplary seat frameassembly 1180 of FIG. 17C. The seat frame assembly 1180 may include afront assembly portion 1182 and a rear assembly portion 1184. The frontassembly portion 1182 may be affixed to the front legs 1110 by means offasteners 1170. The rear assembly portion 1184 may be affixed to theseat back 1040 by means of the lock-pins 1060. The front assemblyportion 1182 and rear assembly portion 1184 may be configured torotatably connect at a pair of pivot points 1125, so that the frontassembly portion 1182 and rear assembly portion 1184 may rotate about anaxis B with respect to each other.

The rear assembly portion 1184 of the seat frame assembly 1180 mayinclude a pair of elongated members 1514, which may be interconnected bya rear cross-member 1520 and a front-cross member 1530 as seen in FIG.17D. The rear cross-member 1520 may include a lower portion 1525 towhich the clip 1400 may be affixed. Each of the elongated members 1514may be affixed with a seat support member 1512 by means of, for example,a weld, an adhesive, a screw, a nut, a bolt, a rivet, or the like. Theseat support members 1512 and the elongated members 1514 may beconfigured to have, for example, an L-shape. It is noted, however, thatthe seat support members 1512 or elongated members 1514 may have othershapes, such as, for example, cylindrical, tubular, solid rod, or thelike, without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.

The seat support members 1512 may include a plurality of holes (orrecesses) 1518 for receiving the fasteners 1350, so as to affix the seat1340 to the seat frame assembly 1180. The elongated members 1514 mayeach include a plurality of holes (or recesses) 1516 for receivingfasteners (not show) (such as, e.g., screws, nails, pins, bolts, clips,or the like) to affix the seat sides 1150 to the elongated members 1514.

The elongated members 1514, the seat support members 1512, and thecross-members 1520, 1530, may be made from a material, such as, forexample, steel, aluminum, carbon-graphite, plastic, fiberglass, or thelike, or any combination thereof.

The front assembly portion 1182 may include a pair of side members 1552,a front member 1540 and a pair of connecting extensions 1550. The frontmember 1540 may have an L-shape with a lower section 1542 to provideenhanced rigidity. The connecting extensions 1550 may be positioned inthe front two corners of the seat frame assembly 1180. Each connectingextension 1550 may include, for example, a cylindrical configurationhaving a through-hole for receiving and passing the fastener 1170there-through, so that the front assembly portion 1182 may be affixed tothe front legs 1110 of the chair 1000. The front member 1540 may includea plurality of holes (or recesses) 1544 for receiving fasteners (notshown) (such as, e.g., screws, pins, rivets, nails, clips, or the like)to affix to the front-leg cross-member 1115.

The rear assembly portion 1184 may be coupled to the front assemblyportion 1182 by a pair of pivoting members 1125 (such as, e.g., a pin, alock-pin, a rod, a bolt, or the like). In lieu of (or in addition to)the pair of pivoting members 1125, a single rod, or the like, may beprovided between the opposing side members 1552. A stop (not shown) maybe provided on the elongated members 1514 and/or the side members 1552to prevent the front and rear assembly portions 1182, 1184 from rotatingbeyond a predetermined angle (such as, e.g., 0°—i.e., where theelongated members 1514 are in-line with the side portions 1552, as shownin FIG. 17D, or another angle between 0° and 90°).

FIG. 17E illustrates the plurality of legs 1110 connected to the seatsides 1150 of the chair 1000 of FIG. 17 in a substantially fullyunfolded configuration of the chair 1000. The front-leg cross-member1115 may be positioned between the legs 1110. Further, the front-legcross-member 1115 may be affixed to the legs 1110. Each of the frontlegs 1110 may include a recess (not shown) in its upper portion forreceiving the connecting extensions 1550 and/or the fasteners 1170.

FIG. 17F shows a more detailed illustration of the exemplary lowersupport assembly 1300 of the chair 1000 of FIG. 17. The lower supportassembly 1300 may include a pair of cross-bars 1340, a cross-brace 1370,and a pair of knuckles 1380. Each of the cross-bars 1340 may include arecess 1342 at each end to receive, for example, a fastener 1070.Further, each cross-bar 1340 may be configured to rotate about itslongitudinal axis. The cross-brace 1370 may be coupled to the cross-bars1340 by means of the knuckle 1380. The knuckles 1380 may each beconfigured to rotate about the longitudinal axes of the cross-bars 1340,so that the cross-brace 1370 may rotate with respect to the cross-bar1340 (such as, e.g., in the direction A shown in FIG. 17B).

Alternatively, the knuckles 1380 may be configured to fixedly engageeach of the cross-bars 1340, preventing the cross-bars 1340 fromrotational movement with respect to the knuckles 1380 or the cross-brace1370, so that the entire lower support assembly 1300 would rotate as asingle unit in the direction A shown in FIG. 17B.

The cross-bars 1340, the cross-brace 1370 and the knuckles 1380 may bemade from a material, such as, for example, steel, aluminum,carbon-graphite, plastic, fiberglass, or the like, or any combinationthereof.

FIG. 17G illustrates a perspective view of an example of the clip 1400that may be used with the folding chair 1000 of FIG. 17. FIG. 17H showsa side view of the exemplary clip 1400. The clip 1400 may include atop-most sloped (first) portion 1410, a second portion 1420, a thirdportion 1430 and a fourth portion 1440. The fourth portion 1440 may becoupled to, for example, the lower portion 1525 of the seat frameassembly 1180. The clip 1400 may be configured such that the firstportion 1410, second portion 1420 and third portion 1430 flex in adirection C when a force is applied to the top-most portion 1410 by thecross-brace 1370, thereby allowing a part of the cross-brace 1370 (shownin FIG. 17F) to slide past the first portion and under the secondportion 1420. Thus, that part of the cross-brace 1370 may becomelockably engaged by the second portion 1420 between the second portion1420 and fourth portion 1440, and adjacent the third portion 1430.

The invention provides unobtrusive folding mechanisms for both a tableand chair that provides a folding table and chair, both of which may beconstructed in a number of styles, that are sufficiently decorative forregular, everyday home use.

While the invention has been described in terms of exemplaryembodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the inventioncan be practiced with modifications in the spirit and scope of theappended claims. These examples given above are merely illustrative andare not meant to be an exhaustive list of all possible designs,embodiments, applications or modifications of the invention.

1. A folding chair, comprising: a back including a plurality of rearlegs; a seat frame assembly pivotably connectable to said back; aplurality of front legs pivotably connectable to said seat frameassembly; and a clip configured to lock said front legs in a positiongenerally parallel to said back, when said chair is in a foldedposition.
 2. The folding chair according to claim 1, wherein at leastone of the plurality of legs are pivotally coupled to said seat frameassembly.
 3. The folding chair according to claim 1, further comprising:a lower support configured to be pivotally connectable to at least oneof the plurality of legs.
 4. The folding chair according to claim 1,wherein the seat frame assembly comprises: an elongated memberconfigured to be pivotally connectable to said back.
 5. The foldingchair according to claim 4, wherein the seat frame assembly furthercomprises: a seat support member configured to be affixed to saidelongated member.
 6. The folding chair according to claim 5, whereinsaid seat support member is welded to said elongated member.
 7. Thefolding chair according to claim 4, wherein said seat frame assemblyfurther comprises: a side member configured to pivotally connect to saidelongated member.
 8. The folding chair according to claim 1, whereinsaid seat frame assembly comprises: a connecting extension configured tobe affixed to at least one of said plurality of front legs.
 9. Thefolding chair according to claim 4, wherein said elongated membercomprises an ear portion.
 10. The folding chair according to claim 9,wherein said ear portion is configured to pivotally connect to saidback.
 11. The folding chair according to claim 4, wherein said seatframe assembly further comprises: a rear cross-member configured toconnect to said elongated member.
 12. The folding chair according toclaim 11, wherein said clip is connected to said rear cross-member. 13.The folding chair according to claim 1, further comprising: a lowersupport configured to be connected to at least one of said plurality offront legs and at least one of said plurality of rear legs.
 14. Thefolding chair according to claim 13, wherein said lower support assemblycomprises: a first cross-bar configured to be pivotally connectedbetween two of said plurality of front legs; a second cross-barconfigured to be pivotally connected between two of said plurality ofrear legs; a cross-brace configured to be connected between said firstcross-bar and said second cross-bar; and a knuckle configured to connectsaid cross-brace to one of said first cross-bar or said secondcross-bar.
 15. A folding chair that includes a back, comprising: a seatframe assembly pivotably connectable to said back; a plurality of frontlegs pivotably connectable to said seat frame assembly; and a clipconfigured to lock said front legs in a position generally parallel tosaid back when said chair is in a folded position.
 16. The folding chairaccording to claim 15, wherein said seat frame assembly comprises: arear portion configured to connect to said back; and a front portionconfigured -to connect to at least one of said plurality of front legs,wherein said front portion is further configured to pivot with respectto said rear portion.
 17. The folding chair according to claim 16,wherein said front portion comprises: a side member configured to bepivotally connected to said rear portion; and a connecting extensionconfigured to connect to at least one of said front legs.
 18. Thefolding chair according to claim 16, wherein said rear portioncomprises: a cross-member configured to be connected to said clip.
 19. Afolding chair that comprises a plurality of front legs and a back whichincludes a plurality of rear legs, the chair comprising: a seat frameassembly pivotably connectable to said back; a lower support configuredto be pivotally connectable to at least one of the plurality of legs;and a clip configured to lock said front legs in a position generallyparallel to said back; wherein said frame assembly comprises: anelongated member configured to be pivotally connectable to said back; arear cross-member configured to connect to said clip; a seat supportmember configured to be affixed to said elongated member; a side memberconfigured to pivotally connect to said elongated member; a connectingextension configured to be affixed to at least one of said plurality offront legs; and wherein said lower support comprises: a first cross-barconfigured to be pivotally connected between two of said plurality offront legs; a second cross-bar configured to be pivotally connectedbetween two of said plurality of rear legs; a cross-brace configured tobe connected between said first cross-bar and said second cross-bar; anda knuckle configured to connect said cross-brace to one of said firstcross-bar or said second cross-bar.